One of the perks of living in this country? Greatest hits of the 80's and 90's played all over the place. I can always count on Wal-Mart to have a good play list going. Tonight it was Whitney Houston and Michael Bolton and Richard Marx....Rob and I have no inhibitions about singing along....and so we do. People stare, but they stare anyway. I was belting out "I Will Always Love You" as I perused the vegetables. When they played Tiffany......oh....I had a little concert on the bread aisle....sometimes my kids are embarrassed.
When our family went swimming the other night Rob and I couldn't believe what good music they played. It was like someone had gone into my head......from high school and college......and made an ultimate playlist. Woo Hoo.
The funny thing is I think there is some CD out there with all these songs on them and everyone here has it. Because the same songs are played everywhere you go.....and they are good songs....so it is ok with me. I wonder if ITunes has this playlist?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Language, Rain, and Mystery Soup
I know this is a random title but this is what I am thinking about today.
Language....I guess I am always thinking about language. Next week I will move into book 2 of this language. I am understanding way too many words but not enough to actually know what is being said. In other words I might be able to tell you the main idea, but no clue the meanings. So, yesterday when the taxi driver told me to get out and get into another taxi going the opposite way, I knew he said we were going the wrong way but not until he stopped, looked at me, and waited, did I understand....get out. And my tutor.....she must keep a running log of every word I have ever acted like I understand becasue she uses every word....all at once it seems. If only everyone I meet knew my limited vocab and could choose their words accordingly.
The highlight of my week was having lunch with our helper and learning new things about her....all in another language. We had enough to say to make it all the way through lunch. My helper, unlike my teacher, doesn't fill in English words where I don't know them....so I have to guess some of the time, but am finding I am getting more and more correct.
The best thing about learning another language is learning it with your husband, becuase we can now pick favorite words from both languages to combine and come out with perfect Chenglish. I am reminded of High Scool Spanish and my sweet Brandi.....there was nothing more fun than those spanish conversations we had about our current crushes. And how quickly we learned our Senora would let us take as long as we wanted in the halls as long as we asked permission in Spanish. Well, some things never change. If I need a break.....all I have to do is ask to go to the bathroom in my new language!!! Too bad Brandi isn't here to help me through this language learning experience....or any of you for that matter.
Rain..... It has rained every day for the last few weeks. And for the moments it is not raining it is a sauna....all that water heats up. Frankly if you are outside you are soaked.....either from rain or sweat. Anyone want to visit? I am not complaining because the rain keeps the temperature down a little and waters all the things that need to be watered....and maybe drowns the rats we have seen around our complex. (one of the perks of living on the 6th floor...no rats)
Mystery Soup....I will conclude my posting today with a little food update. I mentioned my helper earlier. She is so sweet and a compulsive cleaner.....and this week has begun cooking lunch for us. It all started with that meal we shared Monday. Yesterday she made some corn concoction, which was very good. But today....whoa.....out she came with some kind of soup. It looked a little like the merky water I have seen along the sidewalks.....mud, dirt, and water. It had pellets of things inside. Thankfully she ate and left....telling me something about eating it hot, not cold. I took my spoon and had a taste....and I am unsure of what was inside. I couldn't identify anything. Oh well. She is trying to help by fixing my kids lunch. Too bad they won't eat it. I know she thinks they are weird for eating sandwiches or peanut butter every day. Oh well, it is the thought that counts. I wonder what she's making tomorrow.
Language....I guess I am always thinking about language. Next week I will move into book 2 of this language. I am understanding way too many words but not enough to actually know what is being said. In other words I might be able to tell you the main idea, but no clue the meanings. So, yesterday when the taxi driver told me to get out and get into another taxi going the opposite way, I knew he said we were going the wrong way but not until he stopped, looked at me, and waited, did I understand....get out. And my tutor.....she must keep a running log of every word I have ever acted like I understand becasue she uses every word....all at once it seems. If only everyone I meet knew my limited vocab and could choose their words accordingly.
The highlight of my week was having lunch with our helper and learning new things about her....all in another language. We had enough to say to make it all the way through lunch. My helper, unlike my teacher, doesn't fill in English words where I don't know them....so I have to guess some of the time, but am finding I am getting more and more correct.
The best thing about learning another language is learning it with your husband, becuase we can now pick favorite words from both languages to combine and come out with perfect Chenglish. I am reminded of High Scool Spanish and my sweet Brandi.....there was nothing more fun than those spanish conversations we had about our current crushes. And how quickly we learned our Senora would let us take as long as we wanted in the halls as long as we asked permission in Spanish. Well, some things never change. If I need a break.....all I have to do is ask to go to the bathroom in my new language!!! Too bad Brandi isn't here to help me through this language learning experience....or any of you for that matter.
Rain..... It has rained every day for the last few weeks. And for the moments it is not raining it is a sauna....all that water heats up. Frankly if you are outside you are soaked.....either from rain or sweat. Anyone want to visit? I am not complaining because the rain keeps the temperature down a little and waters all the things that need to be watered....and maybe drowns the rats we have seen around our complex. (one of the perks of living on the 6th floor...no rats)
Mystery Soup....I will conclude my posting today with a little food update. I mentioned my helper earlier. She is so sweet and a compulsive cleaner.....and this week has begun cooking lunch for us. It all started with that meal we shared Monday. Yesterday she made some corn concoction, which was very good. But today....whoa.....out she came with some kind of soup. It looked a little like the merky water I have seen along the sidewalks.....mud, dirt, and water. It had pellets of things inside. Thankfully she ate and left....telling me something about eating it hot, not cold. I took my spoon and had a taste....and I am unsure of what was inside. I couldn't identify anything. Oh well. She is trying to help by fixing my kids lunch. Too bad they won't eat it. I know she thinks they are weird for eating sandwiches or peanut butter every day. Oh well, it is the thought that counts. I wonder what she's making tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Snippets of Life
Major Kudos!!
This is a shameless plug. Way to go Aunt Krista and Uncle Phil!!! We received our first piece of mail this week. It was like we won the lottery. Our first piece of mail in the mailbox!! Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
Electryifying
You have read about our oven. It shocks you. We always wear rubber shoes in the kitchen and it solves the problem. Last night we went swimming before dinner. In the afternoon I had made a casserole to pop in the oven when we returned home, so dinner would be easy. Upon returning home I, in my wet clothes, walked into the kitchen, with no shoes on, picked up the aluminum pan with casserole in it, and set it on the rack in the oven. Immediately I screamed, dropped the pan, and knocked out all the electricty in the apartment. Thankfully the pan landed right side up on the kitchen floor, not spilling said casserole on the ground. Rob flipped the switch on the breaker and all was right. About the time you get comfortable.....BAM, there is a shock and I mean.....WOW~I have never been shocked like that before!!!
Commom Meal
We spent the weekend out in the countryside. Here is a picture of lunch. This meal cost us $1 for our whole family to eat. The best part is there is a laxative effect that takes place as well when you eat this for 3 meals straight.....free of charge.
This is a shameless plug. Way to go Aunt Krista and Uncle Phil!!! We received our first piece of mail this week. It was like we won the lottery. Our first piece of mail in the mailbox!! Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
Electryifying
You have read about our oven. It shocks you. We always wear rubber shoes in the kitchen and it solves the problem. Last night we went swimming before dinner. In the afternoon I had made a casserole to pop in the oven when we returned home, so dinner would be easy. Upon returning home I, in my wet clothes, walked into the kitchen, with no shoes on, picked up the aluminum pan with casserole in it, and set it on the rack in the oven. Immediately I screamed, dropped the pan, and knocked out all the electricty in the apartment. Thankfully the pan landed right side up on the kitchen floor, not spilling said casserole on the ground. Rob flipped the switch on the breaker and all was right. About the time you get comfortable.....BAM, there is a shock and I mean.....WOW~I have never been shocked like that before!!!
Commom Meal
We spent the weekend out in the countryside. Here is a picture of lunch. This meal cost us $1 for our whole family to eat. The best part is there is a laxative effect that takes place as well when you eat this for 3 meals straight.....free of charge.
Swimming
Last night was our first night at the swimming pool. We went to a country club of sorts to swim. It wasn't the Oberosa, our favorite pool ever, but it will do. We had a fun time and it was great to relax in a cool, clean pool. There are many pools here, but most have no water in them. And if they have water in them they usually aren't chlorinated, meaning they turn green in no time. Thankfully this one was chlorinated and we even had to wear swim hats. Sorry, I forgot the camera. You would have loved to see a pic of Rob in his swim cap.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
True Companion
Today is our 12th anniversary. We spent 6 hours of today in a car. Driving through mountains and blinding rain. Two of my favorite things. We ate noodles for lunch in a small town where everyone stared at us and watched us eat "local food". Had anyone told a young bride 12 years ago today what she would be doing 12 years later.....I wonder what she would have said.
Rob and I have always loved the song "True Companion". We used to listen to it in his car when we were dating and dare not say what we were both thinking...."I think this about you". Then finally, after it became evident where our relationship was heading, we knew.....as much as you can know when you are 20....that we were going to be "true companions".
Over the last 12 years we have laughed together until we cried. We have cried together until we had nothing left to do but laugh. We have shared so many memories and special moments. We have some great secrets on each other that we will never tell anyone, yet will always laugh at. We have two wonderful children who bring such life and joy to our home, and I am so thankful for them.
So, today....as I drove around the mountains, being squished by my kids, eating my "romantic" anniversary meal with the locals......I couldn't help but think, there is no one I would rather be doing this with.....besides my True Companion!!!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Flame for the Big Games!!
Today was the day. Our entire city has been abuzz for the last few weeks. The torch was soon to arrive. Landscaping looks beautiful, streets have been repaved, national and olympic flags are lining all the main roads. Olympic shirts, pins, flags, and all sorts of stuff are being sold on every corner. No one has been certain when it would arrive. Locations and times have changed several times this week. Finally, yesterday, we heard it was coming!
We decided on a place to observe the flame, decked out in our Olympic shirts and red, and set out on a bus. As we drove along the road people were walking for miles to get here. It looked a lot like Norman, OK before a big game......give or take thousands of people. Everyone was carrying flags and sporting their "I love C_NA" shirts. And then there were the white people.....us. There were HUGE!! crowds and we pushed and shoved our way through until we found a place we could see. When the time finally came, we put the kids on our shoulders.....can I just mention they both weigh a lot more than they used to......gave Hannah the camera and joined in the shouting. The expression they use to say "Go C__NA" translates like this...."Have Gas (like acceleration) C__NA" This makes us laugh a little. It was all a great experience. We were very hot, very tired, and a little cranky by the time we got home, but all in all were glad we experienced the torch. It was worth it. Here are some pictures of our morning.
Hudson ready to go in his Torch Relay Shirt
Hannah in her Olympic Mascot shirt
Soldiers standing at attention behind rope lines.
This was our view from the sidewalk....people everywhere!!
Finally....the torch and runner!! How exciting!!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A Day at the Park
A few nights ago we spent the evening at the park. Here are some pictures to "tell" you about our night.
Next Stop: For the girls...it was pottery. They painted pottery while the boys checked out the other fun things to do at the park.
Bumper Cars and Roller Coasters!! So Fun!! This is a GREAT PARK!!!
What a fun night to spend with FRIENDS!!!
First Stop: McDonalds!!
Next Stop: For the girls...it was pottery. They painted pottery while the boys checked out the other fun things to do at the park.
Bumper Cars and Roller Coasters!! So Fun!! This is a GREAT PARK!!!
What a fun night to spend with FRIENDS!!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Gone in 60 Seconds
We bought an electric bike. It was delivered today. It wasn’t new, but used by some friends who are moving and were trying to sell it. Rob rode it to school today and returned home about 5pm. We left for a night out with the kids and some friends, and when we returned home at 8pm…….GONE!!! 3 hours! Rob had locked it up, and put it in a concealed place….which was probably the problem. He has noticed most people park their electric bikes all together in an open , visible place, and Rob thought he would probably park ours in the locked entrance of our gate……but after 3 hours, we didn’t even get a chance. The funny thing is, our friends who we bought the bike from have lived in this same apartment complex for the last 2 years, and have parked the bike and locked it exactly like Rob did tonight, and it was never stolen. Oh well…..we were aware this might happen….we feel like we are part of the “in” club now, fully part of this culture!!
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Some Hudsonisms from the last few weeks……
“Not everybody kisses. Some people just hug at their wedding and don’t kiss. I’ve seen Phil and Krista’s pictures from their wedding, and they just hugged. “ - Hudson displaying his knowledge to friends
Hudson spent the night with some American friends who have lived here for 3 years. During dinner he asked in all seriousness, “So, since you’ve lived here for a while, does that mean you are _____ese?” Our new friends were speechless and Hannah quickly jumped in and explained to him that our friends would always be Americans and so would we. You have to wonder what goes through his mind.
"I'm glad my uncles are coming to visit because I really need some Dr. Pepper. Mom, how much do you think they could bring me?" - Hudson
*********************************************************
Some Hudsonisms from the last few weeks……
“Not everybody kisses. Some people just hug at their wedding and don’t kiss. I’ve seen Phil and Krista’s pictures from their wedding, and they just hugged. “ - Hudson displaying his knowledge to friends
Hudson spent the night with some American friends who have lived here for 3 years. During dinner he asked in all seriousness, “So, since you’ve lived here for a while, does that mean you are _____ese?” Our new friends were speechless and Hannah quickly jumped in and explained to him that our friends would always be Americans and so would we. You have to wonder what goes through his mind.
"I'm glad my uncles are coming to visit because I really need some Dr. Pepper. Mom, how much do you think they could bring me?" - Hudson
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